Library Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2018

Wednesday, 21 March 2018

Questions (307)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

307. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the role his Department will have in the interim review of the contract to supply library books for a service (details supplied); if concerns regarding non-adherence to the contract will be considered; if there has been an amendment to the contract; if the knowledge or otherwise of the book market here, support for Irish publishers and the possible cultural loss will be reviewed; the date and process for the interim review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/18]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The provision and management of public library services is primarily a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. This includes the purchase of public library book-stock which, in 2016, was subject to a national tender run by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on behalf of the 31 local authorities.

The LGMA had sole responsibility for managing the tender competition and the post-tender contracting process.  Four suppliers have been awarded contracts on foot of the tender process and these are managed by the LGMA on behalf of local authorities.

The contracts require the suppliers to liaise with the LGMA on a regular basis to address any issues arising that may impact on the performance of the agreement, and to agree milestones, compliance schedules and operational protocols that may be required by the LGMA from time to time. However, the contracts do not provide for an interim review and it is a matter solely for the LGMA to determine if a formal review or an amendment of contracts is required.